Changes in Land Tenure System and Agricultural Practices in Mezam and Menchum Divisions of the Western Highlands of Cameroon
Abstract
The study examines changes in land tenure and agricultural practices in Cameroon's Western Highlands, namely in the Mezam and Menchum Divisions of the Northwest Region. The primary data were collected using a mixed-methods approach that included a structured questionnaire, in-depth interviews, and observations. A multistage sampling method was utilised to choose 520 individuals. Both primary and secondary data were collected. Descriptive statistics were analysed. The results suggest that most participants either buy their land (29.5% in Mezam and almost 46% in Menchum) or inherit it (more than 32% in Mezam and 24.5% in Menchum, p = 0.057). Only 25% of respondents had previously acquired land rights through institutions, compared to roughly 80% (a 55% difference) at the time of the research. The percentage of participants possessing legitimate land certificates rose from about 35% to more than 66% (a 31% increase). Most people utilise their land to raise food crops (over 96%), cash crops (71%), or both (over 68%). More than 54% and 56% of respondents in the Mezam and Menchum Divisions, respectively, confirmed these modifications. In general, it appears that communities in Cameroon's Western Highlands are moving away from traditional land tenure systems.
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